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Evacuation in the Snow: Fears of Conflict Drive Mass Exodus from Pakistan’s Tirah Valley

Residents from Tirah valley, who fled a remote mountainous region bordering Afghanistan, gather to get themself registered, in Bara, Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan A wave of displacement is sweeping through northwest Pakistan as thousands of families flee the Tirah Valley after mosque loudspeakers warned residents of possible upcoming military action. The sudden announcements triggered a rapid and chaotic departure, with many families leaving in the middle of harsh winter conditions. Residents describe a tense atmosphere in the valley, where fears of renewed conflict between security forces and militant groups have been simmering for months. Entire communities have packed their belongings onto trucks, donkeys, and makeshift carts, heading toward safer towns such as Bara and Peshawar. Government officials insist that no military operation has been ordered and attribute the movement of people to seasonal migration patterns. Locals strongly dispute this, sayi...

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Maximizing Your Tax Return: Uncover Hidden Deductions for 2024

 

Getting the most out of your tax return can feel like an early spring bonus. Whether you’re a seasoned taxpayer or a newcomer, there are lesser-known deductions that could significantly impact your bottom line. 

While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has made filing expenses for people who work from home more complicated this year, there are still plenty of tax-deductible expenses that Canadians might be missing out on:

  • Children’s Summer Camps: Yes, you can claim credits for those enriching summer experiences.
  • Investment Expenses: If you have non-registered investment accounts, don’t overlook these costs.
  • Alimony Payments: If you’re making alimony payments, they may be deductible.
  • Moving Costs: Certain circumstances allow you to claim moving expenses.
  • Canadian employment amount: You can get credit for uniforms, work supplies, and more, up to $1,368 per year. Plus, if you subscribe to a Canadian news source, you can write off the cost of your subscription. 
  • Charitable donations: offer excellent tax benefits, especially for high-income earners. 
  • Contributing to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): is a powerful way to boost your refund and save for retirement. Here’s the magic number: aim for 18% of your income, up to the maximum of $30,780. Be strategic about how much you contribute to retirement savings accounts and charities—this could be the difference between owing the government money or getting a refund.

Remember, every dollar saved through deductions and credits adds up. So, dive into the lesser-known deductions, make smart RRSP contributions, and unlock hidden tax benefits. 

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